Basic WAN Concepts v1.

15 Aaron Balchunas

- Basic WAN Concepts What is a WAN? There are two prevailing definitions of a Wide Area Network (WAN). The book definition of a WAN is a network that spans large geographical locations, usually to interconnect multiple Local Area Networks (LANs). The practical definition of a WAN is a network that traverses a public network or commercial carrier, using one of several WAN technologies. Consider the following example. A connection between two buildings using Ethernet as a medium would generally be considered a LAN. However, this is because of the technology used, and not the zombieinfested distance between the two buildings.

A connection between the same two buildings, using a dedicated T1 line as a medium, would generally be considered a WAN.

Remember, the difference is the technology used. A variety of WAN technologies exist, each operating at both the Physical and Data-link layers of the OSI models. Higher-layer protocols such as IP are encapsulated when sent across the WAN link.
*** All original material copyright 2007 by Aaron Balchunas (aaron@routeralley.com), unless otherwise noted. All other material copyright of their respective owners. This material may be copied and used freely, but may not be altered or sold without the expressed written consent of the owner of the above copyright. Updated material may be found at http://www.routeralley.com.

Basic WAN Concepts v1.15 Aaron Balchunas

WAN Connection Types WANs are generally grouped into three separate connection types: Point-to-Point technologies Circuit-switched technologies Packet-switched technologies Point-to-Point technologies (often called dedicated or leased lines) are usually the most expensive form of WAN technology. Point-to-Point technologies are leased from a service provider, and provide guaranteed bandwidth from location to another (hence point-to-point). Cost is determined by the distance of the connection, and the amount of bandwidth allocated. Generally, point-to-point links require no call-setup, and the connection is usually always on. Examples of point-to-point technologies include: T1 lines T3 lines Circuit-Switched technologies require call-setup to occur before information can be transferred. The session is usually torn down once data transfer is complete (this is identified as an On-Demand Circuit). Circuitswitched lines are generally low-speed compared to point-to-point lines. Examples of circuit-switched technologies include: Dial-up ISDN Packet-Switched technologies share a common infrastructure between all the providers subscribers. Thus, bandwidth is not guaranteed, but is instead allocated on a best effort basis. Packet-switched technologies are ill-suited for applications that require consistent bandwidth, but are considerably less expensive than dedicated point-to-point lines. Examples of packet-switched technologies include: Frame-Relay X25
(Reference: http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/cisintwk/ito_doc/introwan.htm http://www.ciscopress.com/content/images/chap01_1587051486/elementLinks/1587051486content.pdf)
*** All original material copyright 2007 by Aaron Balchunas (aaron@routeralley.com), unless otherwise noted. All other material copyright of their respective owners. This material may be copied and used freely, but may not be altered or sold without the expressed written consent of the owner of the above copyright. Updated material may be found at http://www.routeralley.com.

Basic WAN Concepts v1.15 Aaron Balchunas

Common WAN Terms A wide variety of hardware is used with WANs. Equipment that is housed at the subscriber is referred to as Customer Premise Equipment (CPE).

The above example demonstrates the basic equipment required for a T1 line. A CSU/DSU (Channelized Service Unit/Data Service Unit) provides the clocking and channelization for T1 or T3 technology. The CSU/DSU converts the signal for use on an Ethernet (or other LAN technology) network. If a WAN technology other than a T1 line is used, a different device will be required. Examples include (but are no limited to): ISDN a terminal adapter Dialup a modem The Demarc (short for demarcation) refers to the point of last responsibility for the service provider. All equipment on the Customer Premises side of the Demarc is the customers responsibility to maintain. The Demarc is not always physically labeled or identifiable. Occasionally, a two-port or fourport patch-panel will be used as a physical Demarc. The Smart Jack physically terminates the T1 line. If there is a connectivity issue, the provider will perform a ping test to the smart jack. If communication to the smart jack is successful, the provider will assume the issue resides on the customers side of responsibility. The smart jack is often locked in a glass enclosure, and labeled with the T1s circuit number. The Local Loop (or Last Mile) refers to the physical line connecting from the Customer Premises to the providers nearest Central Office (CO).

*** All original material copyright 2007 by Aaron Balchunas (aaron@routeralley.com), unless otherwise noted. All other material copyright of their respective owners. This material may be copied and used freely, but may not be altered or sold without the expressed written consent of the owner of the above copyright. Updated material may be found at http://www.routeralley.com.

Basic WAN Concepts v1.15 Aaron Balchunas

WAN Encapsulation Recall that WAN technologies operate at both Physical and Data-link layers of the OSI models, and that higher-layer protocols such as IP are encapsulated when sent across the WAN link. A WAN is usually terminated on a Cisco devices serial interface. Serial interfaces support a wide variety of WAN encapsulation types, which must be manually specified. By default, a serial interface will utilize HDLC for encapsulation. Other supported encapsulation types include: SDLC PPP LAPB Frame-Relay X.25 ATM Regardless of the WAN encapsulation used, it must identical on both sides of a point-to-point link. Each encapsulation type is described in detail in separate guides.

*** All original material copyright 2007 by Aaron Balchunas (aaron@routeralley.com), unless otherwise noted. All other material copyright of their respective owners. This material may be copied and used freely, but may not be altered or sold without the expressed written consent of the owner of the above copyright. Updated material may be found at http://www.routeralley.com.